Martin in Torrance Bowling Lead

Steve J. Martin, a Kingsport, Tenn., bowler who has not won a tournament in more than two years, moved into the lead of the $125,000 Greater Los Angeles Open after two qualifying rounds at Gable House Bowl in Torrance Wednesday night.

Martin has a pinfall of 2,774 for 12 games, a 231 average, and holds a 44-pin lead over Bob Hadley of Pompano Beach, Fla., who averaged 227.5.

Mark Roth of Spring Lake Heights, N.J., who learned he had been named the Professional Bowlers Assn. Player of the Year for the fourth time Wednesday, shot 1,381 for his six games in the second round to move from 15th to a tie for third with Mark Baker of Garden Grove at 2,709.

Rounding out the top five was George Pappas of Charlotte, N.C., the only bowler to shoot a 300 game Wednesday, who finished with a 2,688 total.